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Argentina–Mexico relations refers to the diplomatic relations between the Argentine Republic and the United Mexican States. Both nations are members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, G-20 major economies, Latin American Integration Association, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.
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History of diplomatic relations
Both Argentina and Mexico share a common history in the fact that both nations were once part of the Spanish Empire. During the Spanish colonial period, Mexico was then known as Viceroyalty of New Spain and the capital being Mexico City while Argentina was at first governed from the Viceroyalty of Peru in Lima and in 1776, Spain created the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata where the capital was established in Buenos Aires. In 1810, both Argentina and Mexico declared their independence from Spain with each nation obtaining independence in 1820 and 1821, respectively.
The first official diplomatic contract between the newly independent nations was in 1824 when Mexican President Guadalupe Victoria sent a letter to the government of Argentina stating "America [continent] has one cause: its unity and independence." In 1880, Argentina sent its first resident consul to Mexico and in 1891, Mexico reciprocated the gesture and sent its first resident consul to Argentina.
In May 1914, Mexico and the United States were on the verge of declaring war on each other over the Tampico Affair. At the time, Argentina, Chile and Brazil were nicknamed the ABC nations due to the acronyms of their names. In order to prevent war between Mexico and the United States; diplomats from the three South American nations met with officials from Mexico and the United States in Niagara Falls, Canada, to prevent a war between them. The peace conference ended in success and war was adverted.
In 1927, Argentina and Mexico elevated their diplomatic missions to that of embassies. Since then, diplomatic relations between the two nations have continued unabated. In 1960, Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos became the first head of state from Mexico to pay a state visit to Argentina. Since then, there have been several presidential visits between both nations respectfully. During the 1970s, Argentina was ruled by military generals which targeted anybody who did not support them. During the Dirty War, several thousand Argentine citizens fled the country and sought asylum in Mexico. In 1982, Argentina and the United Kingdom declared war on each other for the Falkland Islands (known also as the Malvinas). Mexico remained neutral on Argentina's claims to the islands during the war, however, today it supports Argentina's eventual possession of the islands.
State visits
Presidential visits from Argentina to Mexico
Presidential visits from Mexico to Argentina
Trade relations
Over the years, two-way trade between Argentina and Mexico has increased substantially. In 2016, trade between the two nations totaled over $2.3 billion USD. Argentina's exports to Mexico include: aluminum, cowhide (leather), medicine and raw minerals; while Mexico's exports to Argentina include: automobiles and parts, electronics (mobile phones) and chemical based products. Between 1999 - 2010, Argentine companies invested over $652 million USD in Mexico. In 2013, Mexican companies invested over $3 billion USD in Argentina. Several multinational Mexican companies operate in Argentina today, such as: América Móvil, Cemex and Grupo Bimbo; among others.